Sarajevo lived through much of the 20th century in the dark shadows of wars and besieges, but today, the city is looking increasingly hopeful and welcoming of travellers into its atmospheric streets. Starting from the Old Town of Bascarsija, Sarajevo’s unique cityscape unravels from Ottoman-era minarets, Austro-Hungarian flourishes to Jewish synagogues like a fine-looking tapestry hanging proudly on a mighty wall that is the Dinari Alps. However, despite how naturally and architecturally beautiful she is, the city seems to have no plans to totally scrub up yet and why would she – scars of war and grave documentary sites stand purposefully side by side to recount the tales of violence that no one should ever forget. To experience first-hand this heady mix of culture and history, create your own customised Sarajevo tour package with Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and dive straight into this phoenix of a city today.
Tunnel of hope
The Sarajevo tunnel, hand dug with sweats of resilience, was the tunnel of hope that kept Sarajevo afloat when Serbian armed forces tried to isolate the city from the rest of the world during the Siege of Sarajevo. Running 800 metres underground connecting the Serbian-controlled part of the city to an area controlled by the United Nations, the tunnel facilitated the transport of food, war supplies, humanitarian aid and the weapons that provided ammunition for the city’s defenders. The war may be over but this important site, now turned into a museum, showcases the determination of a people that fought against all odds.
The site that triggered WWI
Sarajevo had been in the epicentre of plenty of tumultuous events in the last 150 years, but none other had sparked off a bigger ripple effect than that of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian throne. The empires of Europe were already set on a collision course for decades before this and this was just the triggering act for that inevitable outcome – WWI happened a month later. Step foot on the actual spot outside the dedicated museum at the northern end of the Latin Bridge where the pistol was triggered and learn about the fateful event that sent the world into war.
What’s brewing?
Despite the city’s strong inclination towards history and culture in terms of its major tourism offerings, Sarajevans, like their fellow Balkans brothers, never turn down an invitation to fun and one of the locals’ favourite venues to do so is Sarajevo Brewery, once the largest brewery in the whole of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Now, the attractive building, that is a mix of oriental and classical European architectural styles, houses a highly-regarded restaurant serving up the most tantalising of Bosnian cuisine in an authentic setting. A spot of wining (in this case beer), dining and merrymaking in this venerable institution is certainly warranted for anyone wishing to know what’s brewing in the city.
For more destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Balkans, try:
Discover Bosnia and Herzegovina’s historical, cultural and architectural complexities with a customised Sarajevo tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Sarajevo. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel.
Today, meet your knowledgeable guide to begin your foodie walking tour of the capital. Begin with the city's main attractions, Bascarsija, the old bazaar quarter, and City Hall, completely renovated after being destroyed in the year 1992 during the Bosnian War. Treat your taste buds to a Bosnian brunch accompanied with a cup of traditional Bosnian coffee. End the tour at a coppersmith workshop and learn from a local artisan regarding his craft and make your own souvenir. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to head to Avaz Twist Tower, Sarajevo’s tallest skyscraper, for amazing panoramic views over the city before proceeding to one of Sarajevo's many bars, like Blind Tiger, for a pre-dinner cocktail.
Old Bazaar Quarter
This morning, head to the outskirts of the village of Konjic to search for a nondescript house along Neretva River. Hidden behind it is an entrance to the forgotten nuclear bunker, the Armijska Ratna Komanda, built to protect Yugoslav ex-president Josip Broz Tito. Built leading up to the Cold War, you will have the opportunity to explore the command rooms and the layout of the bunker before continuing to Jablanica.
Neretva River
Today, spend the day at leisure. You may choose to visit one of the city's popular museums such as War Childhood Museum for an insightful look into the country's emotional history or National Museum and History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina for a recounting of history through archaeology, ethnology and natural science. Take your mind off from all the learning and embark on a tranquil nature walk. Stroll along Wilson's Lane along the river, which is a hotspot for locals, or visit Vrelo Bosne, a park that features forest, lakes and small waterfalls at the foot of Mt Igman. In the evening, join your group to visit a pub in the Dobrinja suburb on the outskirts of Sarajevo.
National Museum
After breakfast, embark on a cable car ride up Trebevic mountain for its stunning views. Next, continue the tour by stopping at the old Jewish cemetery to uncover the intertwined history of the city and Judaism. Next, head to Tunnel of Hope, an underground tunnel that acted as the only connection between Sarajevo and the outside world during the Bosnian War.
Trebevic Mountain
Today, get hyped to embark on a moderate hike to Skakavac, the country's largest waterfall and a declared natural monument. Meet your guide and transfer to the village of Nahorevo to kick-start the excursion. From here, you will trek to the top of Skakavac and marvel at the breathtaking views before making the descent through the dense forest, where you will learn about native animals and plants as you work your way to the waterfall’s base. You will be able to complete the hike within 4 to 5 hours. Once you return to Sarajevo, head back to your hotel for some rest and relaxation.
Skakavac Waterfalls
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.